Our second installment on home improvement projects covers additions and kitchen remodels.
Adding a room or two can be a good investment, especially in the D.C. area. Many owners want a larger space and realize it’s less costly to add features that make their current homes more livable than to buy a larger home in their neighborhood. According to a 2005 study by the National Association of Realtors, every 1,000 square feet added to a home boosts the sale price by more than 30 percent.
Kitchens, like baths, are where you can tell if money has been well spent. Traditional improvements are the best choices for value: all-wood cabinets, commercial-looking appliances, and natural floors (such as wood or stone). Even minor kitchen remodels can provide returns of more than 100 percent.